Bishops correct to speak out

I BEG to differ with Dr G Gende (The National, Dec 28).
I would like to point out that the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG/SI does not speak on behalf of the Holy See.
The former representative of the pope in PNG is Francisco Montecillo Pa­dilla.
The CBC, to put it simply, is the office of all the Catholic bishops in PNG and the Solomon Islands. Therefore, it can only speak on behalf of the local church in this country.
Contrary to what the writer said, the pope does not interfere in the affairs of PNG.
The bishops are citizens of PNG or missionaries who have spent their entire lives working and serving Papua New Guineans.
Doesn’t that give them the right to speak out on issues that affect them and the lives of the people they serve? I would think so.
In The National’s report (Dec 21), the CBC was merely offering a suggestion and a solution to re­solve the political impasse.
There was no contempt with regard to the Supreme Court ruling nor was there any disrespect for the Grand Chief.
On the contrary, all of the bishops in PNG have a high regard and respect for Sir Michael.
I encourage the CBC and other church leaders to speak out on behalf of their people.
It is their right as enshrined in the Constitution and their obligation to the people they serve.

Allanza M Apini
Via email